URBAN UPDATE

Spring brings the arrival of a dynamic new event in downtown Las Vegas. Dubbed the Downtown Urban Living Tour, the event brings business owners and consumers together to showcase the urban developments taking place in the greatest city in the world. Best of all, the event is absolutely free for participants.

The premier event, scheduled for Friday, May 2nd from 6 to 10 p.m. will begin at the Celebrity Theatre (next to Sidebar on the corner of 3rd and Ogden). Mayor Oscar Goodman will offer opening remarks prior to the tour. After an initial gathering with drinks and appetizers, registered guests can take tour buses to multiple business locations throughout downtown.

3rd and Ogden – Sidebar, Triple George, Hogs & Heifers
During the tour, participants will be given coupons, discounts, free food and drinks, champagne, and invitations for upcoming events later that night. The tour starts in the Casino District and will cruise through Union Park and past the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute before making its first stop at the juhl sales center.

At the first stop, aside from drinks, champagne and appetizers, guests will have their vouchers validated to partake of additional discounts in the Office and Arts Districts, including 15 percent off many art galleries’ wares during the First Friday event being held in conjunction with the Downtown Urban Living Tour.

From there, the buses will continue on toward the Academy District, past Andre’s famous French restaurant, then on to East Village before heading back to the Entertainment District. Once there, guests can partake of specials in the Beauty Bar, The Griffin, Hennessey’s, the Downtown Cocktail Room and walk to 3rd street to regroup at Triple George, Sidebar and Hogs & Heifers. Along the way, pick up additional validations for these final destinations with a visit to the Streamline Tower sales center. Again, fresh pastries and champagne will be served.

Fremont East in the Entertainment District
The premise of the Downtown Urban Living Tour is to create an increased awareness among valley residents that downtown is becoming the epicenter of a new cultural renaissance. Like the Gaslamp District in San Diego 10 years ago, the downtown Las Vegas area is still in its infancy, but is growing rapidly. The area is undergoing a $20+ billion revitalization effort, which will completely change the landscape of the new downtown.

For those who don’t know, downtown Las Vegas beckons 20 million visitors each year. It is home to one of the most compelling urban renewal movements ever witnessed in the nation’s history, and will offer all the essential elements of a thriving urban mecca.

Sponsors of the tour include the Downtown Coalition of Las Vegas, the primary organizer of the event. Multiple new residential properties set to open in 2008—such as Streamline Tower, juhl and the 11th Street Lofts—are participating, as well as developers Newland Communities, CityMark and others.

Business contributors include all the restaurants, art galleries, bars and shops that are offering incentives to those who participate. Touted as an open forum, the public will be invited via press announcements, mailing lists, the media, E Real EstateExec and other community organizations.

As mentioned in previous editions of Urban Update, downtown Las Vegas is a flower, waiting to bloom and realize its full potential. 2008 is a pivotal point, full of opportunity and excitement for those willing to partake in all that the community has to offer.